Handheld ultrasound
What is a breast ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of your breast tissue. This test is sometimes used as a screening, along with a mammogram, to help get a closer look at a spot seen on a mammogram or to check a breast lump.
Types of breast ultrasounds:
A handheld breast ultrasound uses a small wand called a transducer to look at a specific breast area. This type of ultrasound is often performed as a follow-up to a mammogram or when you have breast symptoms, such as a lump, nipple changes or localized breast pain.
ABUS is a type of breast ultrasound that provides images of the entire breast using three sweeps from a large transducer. Select locations may offer as part of your annual screening if you have dense breast tissue or have breast symptoms that affect the whole breast.
When is an ultrasound for the breast needed?
An ultrasound of the breast is sometimes needed to check on a spot or lump in the breast that you can feel or that your provider sees on a mammogram. In some instances, it’s also used as an additional screening tool for breast cancer.
Preparing for an ultrasound of the breast
As with any medical test, knowing what to expect with a breast ultrasound can help put your mind at ease. To help you prepare for your ultrasound, your provider will let you know the test’s purpose and answer any questions.
In general, you don’t need to do much to prepare for an ultrasound ahead of time. Before your test, checking your health insurance to understand your coverage is a good idea. But otherwise, you can follow your routine in the days leading up to your test. Most breast ultrasounds take about 15-30 minutes, so you can expect to be in and out in less than an hour.
Breast ultrasound vs mammogram
Breast ultrasounds and mammograms are imaging tests that give your doctor more information about your breast health—but there are some differences. Mammography, including 3D mammography or tomosynthesis, is an X-ray of the breast and uses a low radiation dose. Breast ultrasounds don't use any radiation. Instead, images are created using sound waves.
Mammograms are still the primary imaging test to check breast health. They are the recommended choice for routine breast cancer screening in people with an average risk of breast cancer. However, breast ultrasound is beneficial in some cases because it lets your care team get a different look at the inside of your breast.
Breast ultrasound
- Uses sound waves to create breast images.
- Is used for supplemental screenings or as a follow-up test
- Helps tell if a lump is fluid-filled or solid
- Is often used in those with dense breasts
- Takes about 15-30 minutes to take images
Mammogram
- Captures images using X-rays
- Is the first choice for annual breast cancer screening
- Shows areas of calcification in the breast
- Uses compression of the breast
- Takes only a few minutes to get images
Our breast imaging centers near you
When you need a breast ultrasound, we offer several locations for your care, including breast imaging centers in North and Central Texas. Find an imaging center near you.
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